TOEFL Vocabulary — Set 126

Set 126 of TOEFL Vocabulary covers 5 words: diverse, virulent, genial, rigid, hypothetical. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. diverse · adjective/daɪˈvɜrs/

   showing a great deal of variety or different kinds

   The diverse cultures in the city contribute to a vibrant and dynamic community.

   Synonyms: varied, assorted, diverse

   Origin: from Latin 'diversus', meaning 'turned different ways'.

2. virulent · adjective/ˈvɪr.ə.lənt/

   extremely harmful or poisonous

   The lab discovered a virulent strain of bacteria that posed a serious threat to public health.

   Synonyms: toxic, noxious, deadly

   Origin: Latin 'virulentus', meaning 'poisonous, full of poison', from 'virus' meaning 'poison' or 'venom'

3. genial · adjective/ˈdʒiː.ni.əl/

   friendly and cheerful

   The genial host welcomed every guest with a warm smile and a friendly handshake.

   Synonyms: friendly, cheerful, amiable

   Origin: from Latin 'genialis', meaning 'of birth or marriage', from 'genius', indicating a spirit or deity associated with birth, hence extending to a sense of warmth and friendliness.

4. rigid · adjective/ˈrɪdʒɪd/

   not flexible or pliable firmly fixed in place

   The rigid rules of the competition left little room for improvisation.

   Synonyms: inflexible, stiff, unyielding

   Origin: from Latin 'rigidus', meaning 'stiff or unyielding'

5. hypothetical · adjective/ˌhaɪpəˈθɛtɪkəl/

   based on or serving as a hypothesis or assumption

   In the discussion, we explored a hypothetical scenario in which all nations collaborated to combat climate change.

   Synonyms: supposed, theoretical, conjectural

   Origin: Originating from the Greek 'hypothetikos', which is derived from 'hypothetis', meaning 'to place under' or 'to suppose'.